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Meet the Challenge of Drilling for CBM in Asia! Specialised CBM drilling techniques shared at upcoming workshop.

Posted on : 07 Oct, 2009

 

Asia’s Coal Bed Methane industry is growing rapidly, and coal bed methane (coal mine methane)has gone from being a coal-mining hazard to a valuable source of energy. Most recently, India concluded their CBM IV 6-city ‘road show’ tour announcing 10 new CBM blocks attracting significant international interest. 

 

However tapping on these vast reserves is a challenge. Simply put, the way of determining whether Coal Bed Methane gas can be produced commercially varies from site to site.

 

According to a report by Gaffney Cline & Associates, “Coal Seams are often highly variable in terms of their thickness and coal properties, with further variations in gas content, saturation and permeability…” This makes drilling for the gas a challenge.

 

Horizontal drilling is the most preferred choice to access CBM formations because CBM deposits are often found in depths shallower than natural gas formations. Other popular techniques include directional drilling, which allows multiple wells to be sunk from a single well pad, therefore greatly decreasing potential impact to the land, wildlife, and habitat on the surface when well density is greatly reduced.

 

Determining the right well plan and drilling techniques are the key to maximizing return on capital investment and minimizing surface impact, and the “CBM Production Techniques” workshop on 5-6 Nov. 2009 in Jakarta offers much needed clarity on CBM drilling techniques.

 

In fact, a half-day session has been dedicated to a detailed examination of drilling techniques, led by CBM drilling expert Doug Henderson, currently Manager of Engineering Services at Australia’s Lucas Drilling Services. During his session, Doug will touch on:

• The Basics of a successful Gas Drainage or Production Drilling Program
• Well Planning
• Selecting Suitable Rigs
• Drilling Practices
• Vertical Drilling
• Horizontal Directional Drilling
• Lateral & Multilateral Drilling
• Completion Types and Design
• Completion Treatments (Job Pumping)
• How to apply these technologies

He will also present case studies on Horizontal and Directional Drilling and how these techniques have Improved Production Potential in some CBM fields.

 

Those keen on participating in the CBM Production techniques workshop are welcome to submit their registrations >>HERE<< or email Ms. Nadia Albahar at nadia@cmtsp.com.sg for more information.